Ancient Dwarf

The first of the genus dwarf to exist on the world. They are related to the modern dwarves, but believed to be long extinct. They were created by the Earthmother during the Age of the First Ones in response to the damage the True Elf were doing to the stability of the world. Modern dwarves were fashioned from the small spark of life left behind after the Earthmother cursed their bodies into non-existence when they nearly destroyed the world during the Brothers War.

The Ancient dwarves were sapient beings with bodies fashioned from the world. Unlike the fleshly bodies of most species, these dwarves had bodies of living wood, metal, gems, and stone. Most of them stood about five feet (5') tall with large bodies, thick legs, and arms that reached their knees. As they were created after the elves, the Earthmother copied their bi-pedal stance and symmetrical body.

Their eyes were most often gemstones or crystal, sparkling and glowing with an inner light. Other eyes were either fashioned from polished rock or simply flames dancing in craters on their head. They had no hair or fur covering their bodies.

The Ancient dwarves needed neither food or drink. They had no need to breathe and could survive any of the natural pitfalls of the world, a pool of burning magma would not bother them in the slightest nor the deepest cold.

The could be killed if their body was utterly destroyed, but even the most grievous injury could be healed by the Earthmother. It was the revelation that they were dying during the Brothers War that cast the dwarves into despair.

The Ancient dwarves were immune to the effects of the Shadow Realms. They could still be destroyed by the gods and devils who wielded the power of creation and destruction, but the Elven “magic” dissolved near them.

The Ancient dwarves did not have sexes, nor any form of birth to death cycle. They were created in the image pleasing to the Earthmother and they lived until she wished them to do otherwise. They only changed physically during this time if the Earthmother willed it. Both the devils and gods could kill the dwarves, even the elves if they so wished could snuff out their life - but on their own an Ancient Dwarf would live forever.

Ancient dwarves traveled in groups not because of any sense of commonality, but rather because they had a single goal before them. After the gods left this world and the Earthmother slept deep in the earth these groupings became the first clans. These clans were dedicated to a single purpose. When these purposes clashed so did the dwarves. The Earthmother had given them a desire of purpose and direction and the War of the Gods gave them the ability to fight and kill.

• Ancient Dwarves
• Modern Dwarves (simply called Dwarves)